Radiation oncology is one of the most extraordinary spaces in the new home of The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. There is no routine cancer, and the new James is no routine cancer hospital.

“The mere fact that we’re on the second floor of the new James speaks volumes about the uniqueness of our radiation oncology center,” says Arnab Chakravarti, MD, chair of the department of radiation oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “Because radiation oncology vaults and equipment are so heavy, most radiation oncology departments are located in the basements of hospitals and medical centers.”

“Our extensive experience dictates that cancer patients often feel depressed by the lack of sunlight,” Chakravarti adds. “In our new space, sunshine pours through the windows, and the bright cheerful ambiance creates a very therapeutic and healing environment for our cancer patients.”

Furthermore, cancer care and treatment in the new James is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

“There are no routine types of cancer,” says Chakravarti. “That’s why it’s so important to personalize care for the individual patient.”

At the OSUCCC – James, physicians work to treat the whole patient and not just the disease with multidisciplinary teams of radiation, medical and surgical oncologists, holding weekly meetings to discuss each patient’s case in detail and tailor a treatment plan.

“That’s one of the reasons why I think we deliver the best care in the world,” Chakravarti says.